Leningrad Oblast: Russia's northwestern oblast, surrounding Saint Petersburg, a key industrial and transport hub. In recent days, its energy and infrastructure have faced Ukraine-related drone and missile disruption.
U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to help end the Russia-Ukraine war in a nearly 90-minute call with Vladimir Putin and has agreed with Volodymyr Zelenskyy to continue negotiations at next week’s NATO summit in Ankara. Ukraine has struck oil and naval facilities near St. Petersburg, and Russia has responded with heavy missile and drone strikes on Kyiv.
Ukraine has intensified long-range strikes on Russia’s energy infrastructure, with drones hitting St. Petersburg’s oil terminal and nearby port facilities. Officials report no casualties, while Kyiv says the action targets revenue for Moscow’s war. Putin labels energy strikes as not critical.
Gazprom mobilizes volunteer guards for its gas infrastructure, paying 200,000 rubles monthly plus meals and benefits as drone strikes increase. The plan envisions three-year contracts for regional mobilization, with training and safe civilian tasks, while other regions consider similar measures. Ukraine seeks higher pay and longer contracts for foreign volunteers to strengthen front lines amid ongoing drone warfare.
Ukrainian drone strikes and Russia’s wartime economy are pushing Russia toward a prolonged strain. Inflation, higher taxes, and heavy military spending have tightened civilian life, with analysts predicting years of economic hardship ahead.
A wave of attacks has killed and wounded civilians in Ukraine while Moscow claims damage to cargo vessels and oil facilities. Ukrainian drones hit targets deep inside Russia; Russia responds with glide bombs and port strikes. The conflict is intensifying as both sides deploy long-range strikes and disrupt infrastructure.